VALIANT BEYOND: TALES OF THE SHADOWMAN #1 – New Comic Review

Valiant Beyond: Shadowman #1, by Valiant Comics on 8/20/25, follows the titular character as he receives a mysterious message from a deceased pigeon and journeys to a ghostly city to meet with its monkey mayor.

Credits:

• Writer: A.J. Ampadu
• Artist: Sergio Monjes
• Colorist: Jon Amarillo, Ludwig Olimba
• Letterer: Ezequiel Inverni
• Cover Artist: Damian Connelly (cover A)
• Publisher: Valiant Entertainment
• Release Date: August 20, 2025
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 32
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of VALIANT BEYOND: TALES OF THE SHADOWMAN #1:

First Impressions:

This first issue is a jumbled, confusing read. The art feels unfinished in spots, and the dialogue between characters is stilted. It’s a bumpy ride right from the start.

Plot Analysis:

“Shadowman: Beyond #1” launches Valiant’s new era under the “Valiant Beyond” banner, setting the stage with a dark, moody opening in a supernatural Louisiana. Shadowman, also known as Jack Boniface, broods over his place in the world while accompanied by his wry, feline-like companion, Thelonious. The pair encounter a mysterious carrier pigeon sent by the mayor, summoning Shadowman back to the cursed city of Shambhala. The atmosphere is heavy with unease as rumors swirl of supernatural unrest among the dead and hints of a powerful group known as the Pantheon moving to purge evil from the Deadside, shadowy rumors Shadowman cannot ignore.

On his journey, Shadowman reclaims an enigmatic saxophone (an artifact with personal significance) before venturing into New Orleans. The city is shielded by the magical “Glass Curtain,” a barrier that even Shadowman’s formidable scythe can disrupt but not fully ignore. Using his ability to manipulate shadows, he infiltrates the city with caution, aware that his powers are limited by the city’s protective magics. Within a shadowy apartment, he intervenes just in time to save Detective Alyssa Myles from a flesh-strangling curse, revealing the presence of the villainous Mr. Twist: a monstrous being from the Deadside, with a penchant for cruelty and an intimate knowledge of Shadowman.

The confrontation exposes Mr. Twist’s dark nature and his connection to Shadowman, with a psychic battle revealing deeply buried traumas and the twisted memories of his adversary. Mr. Twist’s taunt (“we’re in this together”) hints at a deeper, more sinister connection and leaves Shadowman unsettled. Alyssa, revealed to be a member of the city’s secretive Abettor Division, strikes a bargain: she will help Shadowman hunt Mr. Twist if he solves a mysterious missing persons case in return, specifically investigating the true identity of Jack Boniface himself.

Story

The narrative is incredibly difficult to follow. There is a lot of unexplained jargon and plot elements that leave the reader confused. The dialogue is clunky and the jokes from the monkey sidekick fall completely flat, making the banter feel more confusing than witty. The story jumps from scene to scene with no clear transitions, making it hard to track the characters’ movements or motivations.

Art

The art in the comic is inconsistent, ranging from surprisingly detailed panels to moments that are a blurry mess. The color palette is a clash of muted and jarringly bright tones that make it hard to appreciate the visual design. While the overall aesthetic has some interesting ideas, the execution is uneven.

Characters

Shadowman himself comes across as a moody and unlikable character, and his actions are not always logical. The Mayor is a bizarre addition whose purpose seems to be providing awkward comic relief. The rest of the cast is introduced too late in the story to have any impact, leaving no one for the reader to connect with.

Positives

The central concept of a magical realm called the Deadside running parallel to the real world is a great foundation for a story. The idea that Shadowman’s powers are limited and have real-world consequences is a fresh take on the classic hero. The book has some high points visually, where the art shines in its bold choices with color and layout. The cover art is also a standout piece.

Negatives

The plot is confusing and disjointed, jumping from one event to the next without giving the reader time to process what is happening. The dialogue is unnatural and often feels like an attempt at wit that misses the mark entirely. The lack of consistent artwork makes for a jarring and unpleasant reading experience, leaving the comic feeling unfinished.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

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VALIANT BEYOND: TALES OF THE SHADOWMAN #1 is a tangled web of confusing narrative choices and choppy art. It presents itself as a new starting point, but without a clear map or a compelling story, it’s a difficult journey to begin. The book is full of ideas, but it fails to execute them in a way that is either entertaining or easy to understand. This is a tough read for new and old fans alike.

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